WorkForce 55+ program celebrates graduation

The Christie Administration and the New Jersey Community College Consortium hosted a graduation ceremony Monday at Hudson County College for one of 10 classes of workers who completed the WorkForce 55+ program.

“The program is designed to offer older workers who are financially disadvantaged an opportunity for paid, on-the-job training and a chance at developing work experience that will lead to unsubsidized employment and sustainable jobs,” state Labor Commissioner Harold J. Wirths said in a news release. “In this case, we have additionally given them skills we know will help in securing a job.”

Topics covered in the program include financial literacy and basic computer skills such as using the Internet and email, as well as utilizing social media as a job search resource.

WorkForce 55+ is a statewide program that was designed through a combined effort of the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the NJCCC. It utilizes federal funds authorized under Title V of the Older Americans Act, which offers jobs and training for economically disadvantaged people who are 55 years of age and older.

The funds, provided specifically by a Senior Community Service Program grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, were used to train approximately 250 candidates from 13 counties at 10 community colleges.